Edith Neville Primary School

Camden, Greater London

Civic Trust Awards Citation

Edith Neville Primary School, as the inaugural phase of Camden’s extensive £89 million Somers Town regeneration project, stands as a shining example of collaboration between talented designers, the council, and the school community. 

Positioned between St. Pancras and Euston stations, the school is not merely an educational facility but a centrepiece of Camden’s Community Investment Programme (CIP), aimed at addressing historical inequalities and investing in community infrastructure. Despite the challenge of constructing new buildings while the old school was still in use, the result is an intricate, beautiful, and child-centred environment that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding neighbourhood. The two-storey structure, designed as a one-form entry school with potential for expansion, features a distinctive element – every learning space has direct access to the outdoors, emphasising the importance of connecting pupils with nature. The layout incorporates generous play and learning areas, including walled gardens for pre-school and reception classes, roof terraces for upper-level classrooms, and a large terrace serving as a quiet play area for the entire school. The ground floor gallery, flooded with natural light, not only provides circulation space but also acts as a gallery for the children’s artwork. 

Sustainability is a hallmark of the project, with the low-energy building achieving BREEAM excellence and being connected to the local heat network. The use of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) structures reduces embodied carbon, while sustainable drainage strategies and extensive tree planting contribute to a green and eco-friendly environment. The emphasis on sustainability extends to the educational approach, with pupils having direct access to areas for planting and tending to plants, fostering a connection with nature. 

The commitment to accessibility is evident in the clear wayfinding, generous entrance spaces, and the inclusion of a lift providing access to all levels. The engagement process with the local community played a pivotal role in shaping the design, addressing key concerns such as security and the connection between the school and the community. The school’s reduced footprint has allowed for the creation of a public greenspace and footpath, addressing issues of anti-social behaviour in the area. Edith Neville Primary School goes beyond its role as an educational institution; it serves as a vital community hub. The intentional design of spaces for families to meet and interact fosters a sense of belonging, while the inclusion of a family drop-in centre and community room reflects a commitment to supporting and empowering the local community.

 As the school continues to evolve, with plans for spaces to be available for community use, it exemplifies the transformative impact that thoughtful design can have on education, sustainability, and community well-being.

Judges’ Comments: “The wonderful new premises for Edith Neville Primary School shows how talented designers collaborating closely with the council and the school community can produce an intricate, beautiful, and child-centred environment, which also complements the surrounding neighbourhood.”